River Rampage
River Rampage
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2013 Trip date: June 24 - 29
River Rampage is an outdoor adventure program for teens with and without disabilities between the ages of 14 and 20.
The wilderness is a great equalizer! An extended outdoor adventure such as a River Rampage trip provides a perfect setting for learning acceptance and cooperation. The lessons of life are intensified because of the challenge, the lack of outside influences, and the need for teamwork and trust. Time on the river is important time away from television, computers, and phones. The river gives youth time to think, to play, to learn healthy risk taking and to sleep under the stars. Whatever their challenge, all teenagers need a chance to see that the world is bigger then their neighborhoods and that opportunities are available to them if they believe in themselves.
River Rampage applications for participants and adult volunteer mentors are now available! This summer's trip is scheduled for June 24 - 29. Space is limited so don't delay. Volunteer applications were due May 8 and teen applications have been extended to May 31. Applications are available below or you can email your request for an application to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
River Rampage Quotes
I did it! I didn’t think I was going to make it. Thanks to everyone I did and it was the greatest adventure of my life. The best and hardest thing I’ve ever done. The beauty and strength I saw and learned about others and myself will live in my heart forever.
- Heidi, 2008
The river teaches you that it’s the journey that is important and the end result is simply the result of the choices you make during the journey. By sitting on the beach and listening to the stories, jokes and laughter, I have put another curve in the path I am taking. I have learned perseverance, tenacity and have seen incredible human strength.
- Alli, 2000
“I have cerebral palsy. I have a wheelchair. I learned that people’s differences or backgrounds don’t matter when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Everyone is on equal ground. I would like to say those were the best seven days of my life.”
- Mandy, participant
“I finally found something I enjoy doing that isn’t against the law. I found that my place to be is in the wild, and River Rampage helped me to find that out about myself by giving me a chance and taking me on the rafting trip.”
- Josh, participant
“Thank you so much for including Alyssa on your trip. It was the beginning of a wonderful change in her. She is doing so well now, I feel like I have my daughter back. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the opportunity given to her.”
- Mother of participant
“It’s taken a little over seven months to begin to understand the impact of the River Rampage project. I think it will take a lifetime to fully comprehend the positive effects it has had on our son. . . The River Rampage experience helped to re-open those “doors of possibilities”. We are re-structuring our thinking and re-programming our “talk”. Instead of “I don’t see how” . . . it’s “let’s see if we can” . . . Knowing our son did what was once considered impossible enables us to dream again and find ways to make things possible.”
- Mother of participant
“River Rampage, in a sense, is really “River Renewal”. It’s a fresh start – or a jump start. It’s an opportunity to see people as we should rather than through an artificial screen. Together we coax the best out of each other and it takes more time for some. That’s ok. It’s not about judgment; it’s about understanding – ourselves and our place in nature. So today (tonight) I’ll miss my bed, but I’m glad to trade it in for a star drenched night sky. And tomorrow I’ll miss my car, and some of my routines, but today I got to paddle a “duckie” through 8 Foot rapids with a young lady named Erin. The rest of the world should be so lucky!”
- Eric, adult volunteer
“The memories of this trip will be forever in my heart like a rare and beautiful treasure. When we left Phoenix, we were strangers; when we came back, we were friends. Now the circle is complete.”
- Doris, participant
